Opening Prayer
Holy Spirit, open my heart to receive truth from Scripture today. Help me to learn from and apply what you show me.
Read JAMES 3:13–18
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
‘Dear Lord, three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, day by day.’1
Think Further
The problem with our modern Bible translations is that, in splitting chapters into sections, it is easy to lose the coherence of a chapter. In today’s reading, James has remained with the context of verses 1 and 2 where he is addressing the teachers in the community. Much like the teaching on the power of the tongue, the broader category of ‘anyone’ (v. 2) remains in view.
Two kinds of wisdom – true and false wisdom – are set before us in much the same way that Proverbs contrasts wisdom and folly.2 James sets out the origin of these two kinds of wisdom. True wisdom originates in God; false wisdom in the ‘demonic’ (v. 15). Each kind of wisdom is demonstrated through behavior. False wisdom is demonstrated by those for whom self-aggrandizement is key (v. 14), which ultimately leads to discord in the community. In contrast, those who show true wisdom are marked by seven attitudes (v. 17) underpinned by humility (v. 13). Every one of these attributes is, of course, fundamental to God’s character. As we, the followers of Jesus, embrace this true wisdom, we grow in likeness to Christ and ultimately this leads to peace within the community. Community discord or community peace – which would you prefer? We would all like to be part of a community of peace, but it can never be peace at any price. The peace referred to by James does not negate that first attribute of true wisdom – purity. True wisdom cannot find an accommodation with false wisdom, simply to maintain peace, and sometimes conflict does have to be faced. However, it takes true wisdom to know when that is required. Key to that is humility not self- aggrandizement. Which wisdom are you pursuing today?
Apply
‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’3 May God help you as you pursue true wisdom.
Closing prayer
Almighty God, help me to pursue true wisdom, the wisdom that comes from you. Make my attitudes and conduct reflect those of Jesus and bear lasting fruit.
Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by kingstar
